Louise Wilson Dies

LOUISE WILSON has died. The legendary fashion professor who is credited with having launched and shaped the careers of designers including Alexander McQueen and Christopher Kane, as well as countless others working behind the scenes at international fashion houses, is thought to have died in her sleep last night while visiting her sister in Scotland. She was 52.

An incredibly influential figure within the fashion industry, Wilson was known for a formidable nature which had fledgling designers in trepidation when showing her their first designs. She was though, held in the highest regard and affection by those who studied with her and her straight-talking, to-the-point mannerisms made her a memorable person to work with.

"Louise Wilson played a remarkable role in making the British fashion scene as successful and relevant as it is today," Alexandra Shulman said today. "Her teaching and influence made a mark on so many of our leading designers. I will miss her outspoken views and her clever and often very funny observations."